THE Medway-based Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust has said a big thank you to the fund-raisers who helped them to reach op the million mark. Kind-hearted people from across the region put their minds to all sorts of weird and wonderful things to bring in the donations that the neonatal unit at Medway Maritime Hospital so heavily relies on.

To show its appreciation for all the donations, the charity threw open its doors for a celebratory party for fundraisers at the Gillingham hospital.

About 400 premature babies pass through through the door of the Oliver Fisher unit every year. With the funds raised, staff use state of the art equipment in the intensive care unit to care for the newborn bundles around the clock.

Doctor Tony Ducker, Trust chairman and consultant neonatal paediatrician, said: "Everyone involved with the Trust is thrilled that we have reached this milestone in our fundraising efforts. It is thanks to the dogged determination of all our volunteers, supporters and fund-raisers that we have reached the £1 million total."

Medway's Mayor Tony Goulden joined in with the celebrations and handed over the £1 million cheque to the neonatal unit, which is his chosen charity for his year in office.

Fiona Cattermole of Willowherb Close, St Mary's Island, Chatham, attended the celebrations after a family friend's donation of £1,200 helped the charity to reach its million mark. Her son Eliot was cared for in the Oliver Fisher neonatal unit after he was born 12 weeks early, weighing just 1Ib14oz. At seven weeks old and weighing 3IB 14oz, he is now back home.

Mrs Cattermole said: "They do a wonderful job. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have my baby at home with me today. He would not have survived without their help."

Anyone planning any kind of event for the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust, is asked to telephone 01634 825122.